How not to fall for allergens

A few tips to help relieve your symptoms.

Raging ragweed! Hot, humid weather having returned, we woke this morning with itchy eyes and sneezing, along with possibly another 36 million or so allergic Americans. Ragweed tends to peak around Labor Day weekend, and, thanks in part to global warming, some varieties are producing 61-90 percent more pollen, and blooming longer, than ever before.

Here's some simple advice from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

Shower and wash hair before going to bed to wash off any pollen that may cling to you.

Still sneezing, coughing, weeping? A room air purifier that traps pollens, dust, danders and other allergens (but not toxic VOCs) can provide some relief. These machines have, on desperate occasions, helped us. Do, however, avoid adding indoor smog to your air with electrostatic, "ozonator" models, which are frowned on by Consumer Reports.

Instead, try a simple fan model equipped with an HEPA filter that traps small particles. CR's top quick picks for best room air purifiers: Whirlpool Whispure and Kenmore Progressive.